St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Jonah the prophet, emphasizing Jonah’s humanity and his struggle with obedience and compassion. He explains how Jonah’s rebellion reveals the challenge of accepting God’s will, especially when it involves showing mercy to enemies like the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias highlights that God’s call to serve benefits both others and the one who serves, fostering grow...

Fr. Younan William explores the concept and practical dimensions of leadership, emphasizing its foundational role in any organization, including the church. He reviews several definitions of leadership by notable figures like John Maxwell, highlighting that leadership begins with self-leadership and extends through influence, vision, and hope. Fr. Younan explains the five levels of leadership, fro...

H.E. Metropolitan Youssef explores Psalm 139:1-12, focusing on the themes of God's omniscience and omnipresence. He explains how David expresses that God’s knowledge of us is intimate and exhaustive, encompassing every action, thought, and word. Metropolitan Youssef highlights the Psalm’s use as a prayer before confession, emphasizing self-examination guided by the Holy Spirit. The discussion cove...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man in John chapter 5 within the context of the Jewish feast mentioned. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Pool of Bethesda, its location by the Sheep Gate, and its symbolic meaning relating to the Jewish people and the Law of Moses. He examines the dialogue between Jesus and the paralyzed man, highlighting the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new series on comparative religions by establishing the foundational beliefs of Orthodox Christianity. He explains the nature and inspiration of the Bible, emphasizing that it was written over centuries by multiple authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and highlights its role in doctrine, correction, and living a righteous life. Fr. Matthias describes the rela...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study on the Harmony of the Gospels by exploring key events of Holy Week, starting with Hosanna Sunday. He examines the people's conflicted expectations of the Messiah, the presence of Pharisees, and the significance of “Hosanna” as a plea for salvation. Fr. Matthias highlights how despite Jesus performing many miracles, belief in Him was limited because of harden...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ challenge on resurrection and marriage in eternal life. He explains how Christ clarifies that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven, where believers are like angels, united in a spiritual community beyond exclusive earthly relationships. Fr. Matthias then unpacks the greate...

H.G. Metropolitan Youssef presents a detailed Bible study on Psalm 19:8-14, exploring how God's word reveals His holiness, justice, and grace. He explains the titles, descriptions, and effects of God's law, commandments, fear, and judgments, emphasizing their role in guiding, enlightening, and purifying believers. Metropolitan Youssef highlights King David’s reflections on the value of God’s word...

Fr. Abraam Kamal explores the essentials of building a strong foundation in marriage, addressing couples at various stages including engaged and married partners. He begins by linking baptism to marriage, emphasizing that believers are spiritually seated with Christ in heavenly places, which should shape their mindset and actions in marital life. Fr. Abraam explains God’s design for the family bas...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Workers of the 11th Hour from the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on its teaching about God’s mercy and the reversal of worldly values in the kingdom of heaven. He explains how the parable illustrates God’s willingness to welcome and reward those who come to Him late in life just as generously as those who have served Him from the beginning. Fr. Matthias...

In this talk, Eric Tadros explores the Christian calling to consecration, emphasizing that holiness is not about extraordinary accomplishments but about living as living sacrifices set apart for God. He examines key biblical passages, such as Romans 12 and 1 Peter, to explain what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices and to be a royal priesthood. Eric reflects on the implications of consecration...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the manifestation of the Holy Trinity during the baptism of Jesus Christ, highlighting the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in this significant event. He explores St. John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner who reveals the beginning of Christ’s ministry and emphasizes the connection between baptism, Christ’s death, and resurrection. Fr. Matthias discusses...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring several miracles of Christ recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He discusses the challenges of Gospel chronology and how the Evangelists present miracles thematically rather than strictly sequentially. Fr. Matthias examines Jesus calming the storm, revealing lessons on faith amid fear and trusting God’s presen...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through Christ’s return to Galilee, His encounter in the synagogue at Nazareth, and the calling of the first apostles. Fr. Matthias explains the historical and spiritual significance of the synagogue as a place of assembly and scripture reading, contrasting it with the Old Testament sacrificial system. He examines Jesus’...

In this episode of the Living Incense Podcast, we reflect on evangelism as a core calling of the Christian life—not as a program, argument, or checklist, but as a natural response to encountering the truth of Christ. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism has always been central to the life of the Church, from the apostles after Pentecost to the everyday witness of believers today. The conversation...

Michael Sedrak presents a detailed discussion on raising God-fearing children rooted in Christian faith and practice. He emphasizes the importance of setting a clear spiritual goal focused on nurturing children who grow in the image of Christ and maintain the grace received in baptism. Michael explores essential parenting principles such as the impact of influences on children, the significance of...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman from John chapter 4, focusing on Jesus’ encounter at Jacob’s well. He explains the historical and cultural context of Samaria, highlighting the divide between Jews and Samaritans and their differing religious beliefs. Fr. Matthias discusses how Jesus offers “living water,” symbolizing the Holy Spirit and eternal lif...

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the life and ministry of John the Baptist, emphasizing his commitment to answering God’s call with seriousness and diligence. He explains how John’s message centered on repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ, delivered with unwavering courage and humility. Fr. Matthias explores John’s austere lifestyle, his rejection of worldly pleasures, and his focus...

In this episode of the Living Incense Podcast, we reflect on evangelism as a core calling of the Christian life—not as a program, argument, or checklist, but as a natural response to encountering the truth of Christ. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism has always been central to the life of the Church, from the apostles after Pentecost to the everyday witness of believers today. The conversation...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, as recorded in John chapter 3. He explains Nicodemus’ approach to Jesus by night out of fear and curiosity about salvation. Fr. Matthias examines the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual rebirth through baptism by water and the Spirit. Using analogies such as...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the early ministry of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels, focusing on key encounters with the first disciples such as Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. He highlights the transition from following John the Baptist to following Jesus and emphasizes the invitation "Come and see" as central to experiencing Christianity beyond intellectual understanding. Fr. Matthi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the baptism and temptation of Christ, drawing from all four Gospels to highlight the theological significance of these events. He explains John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ and discusses why Jesus’ baptism fulfills both the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the connection between circumcision and baptism. Fr. Matthias clarifies the distinction betwee...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist as recorded in all four Gospels, focusing on his role in preparing the way for Christ. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of John's baptism of repentance in contrast to the sacramental baptism introduced by Jesus. He discusses the historical and spiritual context surrounding John’s ministry, inc...

Dr. Emad Mossad explores the Five Love Languages specifically applied to Christian parenting, focusing on how parents can connect deeply with their children through physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. Drawing from scripture and his counseling experience, Dr. Emad emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s unique love language to fill their e...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt and their return to Nazareth. He explores the biblical accounts, especially from Matthew and Luke, and discusses the significance of this event in fulfilling prophecy and revealing Christ’s humility. Fr. Matthias also shares traditions and visions related to the Holy Fami...